Health education classes under way

In an effort to aid Ardmoreites in becoming better informed of health care options and services in the area, the Ardmore Public Library and New Dimension Literacy Council have teamed up to offer health education classes this summer.

For the next four Wednesday nights, the library and the literacy non-profit are welcoming health professionals from the area to present various health topics to the community. The Health Education and Literacy classes begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, and will continue through July 2.

Elizabeth Negrete, literacy coordinator for the library, says the classes were introduced this summer to help improve health literacy in the area.

“We want to make people more aware of the health services available in the community and increase health care literacy,” she said.

The classes kicked off two nights ago, with Renita Dotson, a registered nurse for Ardmore City Schools, presenting. Negrete says she presented on what to expect when visiting a physician’s office, how to read a prescription bottle and the importance of following the orders on a label.

Next week’s class moves into the dental field, with a representative from Pediatric Dental Associates in Ardmore visiting and answering questions concerning dentistry. Other presenters scheduled include optometrist Don Martin, and a representative from Life’s Cycle Women’s Clinic, a women’s health clinic. On July 2, individuals from the Good Shepherd Community Clinic and the Carter County Health Department will discuss services provided and the impact the two play on the health of the community.

Negrete said the classes spend about 15 to 20 minutes on presentations from the health educators, and the remaining time is spent answering questions from the audience. All classes take place in the library’s Smith Room, and there is no fee to attend.

The goal of the new program is to help the community understand health services offered and use them effectively.